The team found that mice that were not fed broccoli lacked AHR activity, resulting in changes in intestinal barrier function, reduced transit time of food in the small intestine, decreased numbers of goblet cells and protective mucus, Decreased Paneth cells and lysosome production and decreased numbers of enterocyte cells.
“The gut health of the mice that weren’t fed broccoli was compromised in a number of ways that have been linked to disease,” Purdue said.
“Our research suggests that broccoli and potentially other foods can be used as natural sources of AhR ligands, and that a diet rich in these ligands contributes to the resilience of the small intestine.”
Broadly speaking, added Andrew Patterson, John T. and Paige S. Smith Professor of Molecular Toxicology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, “These data suggest that dietary signals, relayed through the activity of the AhR, affect the cellular and metabolic pathways of the gastrointestinal tract.” can reshape performances.”
